Richard Harry Burmeister

June 12, 1937 ~ October 19, 2021

MEMORIAL VISITATION DETAILS

Thursday, November 4, 2021

3:00-8:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc.

Harlan, IA

(get directions)

Family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Funeral Home

BURIAL OF ASHES

Harlan Cemetery

Harlan, IA

SURVIVORS

Wife – Sharon Burmeister of Harlan, IA

1 Daughter – Jean (Randy) Feldman of Harlan, IA

1 Son – Doug (Michelle) Burmeister of Harlan, IA

3 Brothers – Jerome (Rose) Burmeister of Fort Dodge, IA

James Burmeister of Harlan, IA

Philip Burmeister of Mount Ayr, IA

5 Grandchildren

6 Great-grandchildren

Beloved Dog – Hazel

Beloved Cats – Lili & Pansy

Other Relatives & Friends

Richard Harry Burmeister, the son of Harry Thede and Mena Marie (Thogerson) Burmeister, was born on June 12, 1937, at his parents’ rural Harlan, Iowa, home. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1957, and on December 1, 1957, Richard married Sharon Kay Johnson in Harlan. The couple made their home in Harlan.

Richard worked for his father at Ideal Hatchery in Harlan, a business he later purchased. He eventually renamed the business Burmeister Farm Store and expanded operations to offer farm supplies. In 1977, Richard bought Squealer Grain in Harlan and expanded Burmeister Farm Store to Persia and Portsmouth (Iowa); he operated it until he sold the grain elevator in 1996. He continued offering farm supplies until 2004. Throughout his life, Richard always remained active in various agricultural pursuits.

Richard was member of the Shriners, the Masons, and was a former member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He had served on the Harlan Industrial Foundation Board and the Harlan Municipal Utilities Board. Richard was a pilot for many years, and liked to travel. He also enjoyed reading and fishing. Time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was precious to him, as was beginning each day by sharing breakfast with Sharon.

Richard H. Burmeister died on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at his home in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 7 days.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Janet Gose; and two brothers, Robert Burmeister and Jon Burmeister. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa; one daughter, Jean (Randy) Feldman of Harlan, Iowa; one son, Doug (Michelle) Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa; three brothers, Jerome (Rose) Burmeister of Fort Dodge, Iowa, James Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa, and Philip Burmeister of Mount Ayr, Iowa; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Hazel; his beloved cats, Lili and Pansy; and other relatives and friends.

A private family memorial service will be held with Pastor Jeff Erlemeier of Faith Family Church in Harlan, Iowa, officiating. Public memorial visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Harlan, Iowa, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 PM. Ashes will be buried in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc., in Harlan, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.